A jury has found a pit bull owner guilty of involuntary manslaughter following the attack – and killing – of a young boy. The man was also convicted of possessing dangerous animals causing death. Originally, the defendant was charged with second degree murder, but the judge threw out the charge due to insufficient evidence.
This case has garnered nationwide attention due to the severity and tragedy of the incident. The 4-year-old boy was walking to school with his mother when the pit bulls escaped their yard. They attacked the boy, dragging him under their fence and into their territory. There, a total of four pit bulls viciously attacked the 4-year-old.
The medical examiner counted hundreds of abrasions and 90 puncture wounds on the boy’s body. Jurors were shown nine of the 16 minute long attack that a surveillance camera caught on film slimming supplements.
The owner of the pit bulls was set free on bond until his sentencing hearing at the end of the month. He faces up to 15 years in prison. Police shot and killed three of the dogs to stop the attack, and a fourth was later euthanized.
Though it is hard to comprehend, this trial was about the actions of a pet owner, not about the actions of the pit bulls. All pet owners have a responsibility to keep both the animals and the public safe. An iron fence sounds like a good way to keep dogs secure, but considering how easily the pit bulls were able to squeeze in and out to attack passersby, it goes to show just how little effort was put in by the pet owner to ensure safety for everyone involved.
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